Physics-forces

What is a force?

A force is an interaction that can change the shape, speed, and/or direction of an object, though it cannot be seen directly.

What can a force be categorized as?

A force can be categorized as either a push or a pull acting on an object.

What is an example of a push force?

Hitting a ball is an example of a push force.

How are forces measured?

Forces are measured using a force meter and are expressed in units called newtons.

What indicates the direction and size of a force in a diagram?

Forces are drawn as arrows, where the head of the arrow shows the direction and the length shows the size.

How is net force calculated when two forces act in the same direction?

The net force can be found by adding the two forces together.

What results from two equal forces acting in opposite directions?

When two equal forces act in opposite directions, the net force is zero, making it balanced.

What does Newton's first law state?

If the forces acting on an object are balanced, the object will remain stationary or continue at the same speed and direction.

What does Newton's second law state?

If unbalanced forces act on an object, it will accelerate in the direction of the net force.

What does Newton's third law state?

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

What is air resistance?

A type of frictional force that acts on an object as it moves through the air.

What is gravity?

An attractive force between objects due to their mass.

What is tension?

A force transmitted through a rope, string, cable, or chain when it is pulled tight.

What is compression?

A pushing force that squishes or squeezes an object.

What is friction?

A force that resists motion when two surfaces rub against each other.

What is thrust?

A force that pushes an object forwards.

What is buoyancy?

An upward force that a fluid applies to an object immersed in it, making the object float.

What is the magnetic force?

The force that magnets exert on certain materials, either attracting or repelling them.

What is support force?

The force that a surface applies upward to support an object.